TomTom mates with Parrot

Until a few minutes ago I had never heard of Parrot, an Android based, internet connected, hands free, Navigation, Music and mobile apps in-car system. I have now.

To quote the press release

Parrot was founded in 1994 by Henri Seydoux to drive the breakthrough of mobile phones into everyday life by creating high-quality, user-friendly wireless devices for easy living. Parrot has developed the most extensive range of hands-free systems on the market for cars. Its globally recognised expertise in the fields of mobile connectivity and multimedia around Smartphones has positioned Parrot as a key player of in-car infotainment.

The Smart touch screen fits into a dual height slot found in many cars and brings hands free calling, Bluetooth (smartphone connectivity), Android apps, USB ports (for data and charging), Wi-Fi (for internet connectivity in the car), reversing camera ready, 3G/4G (uses a USB dongle from any carrier) and Navigation (with an app – that is where TomTom comes in) and a lot of features converged into one unit.

The Tablet touch screen can be pedestal mounted and does much the same as the Smart. It has a wireless remote control that can fit onto a steering wheel (or anywhere convenient).

TomTom now is an app (RRP US$69.99) that can provide off-line navigation and all the usual features including IQ Routes, single and multi-stop routes, spoken street names, lane guidance and integrates fully with the music (auto mute/fade) and telephone capabilities (navigate to contacts).

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Ray Shaw ray@im.com.au has a passion for IT ever since building his first computer in 1980. He is a qualified journalist, hosted a consumer IT based radio program on ABC radio for 10 years, has developed world leading software for the events industry and is smart enough to no longer own a retail computer store!